Flood water removal system

ABSTRACT

Flood water removal systems including a motor, a vacuum generating device, a discharge pump, and a vacuum tank can be efficiently arranged to be transversely mounted to a vehicle. Certain flood water removal systems can include a supercharger driven by the engine to generate vacuum. The systems can include a valve to prevent collapse of a vacuum tank and maintain a predetermined vacuum pressure without varying the speed of the motor. The systems can also include a two-stage exhaust that blends exhaust from the blower with motor exhaust in a silencer to reduce noise generation for operation in residential or other noise-sensitive settings. The systems can also include a vacuum tank comprising a noise reduction baffle to further reduce noise generation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/837,451, filed on Aug. 11, 2006, entitled “FLOODWATER REMOVAL SYSTEM” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/903,097, filed on Feb. 22, 2007, entitled “FLOOD WATER REMOVALSYSTEM”, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates specifically to devices for removing floodwater and more specifically to compact, vehicle mounted devices forremoving flood water.

2. Description of the Related Art

Property damage due to weather-related flooding in the United States ison the order of billions of dollars annually. Non weather-relatedflooding (such as can be caused by plumbing and water main leaks andfailures) further escalates the amount of property damage caused byflood water annually. In the face of catastrophic weather events, acertain amount of flood water damage is inevitable. However, the damagedue to flood water can be mitigated by rapid removal of the flood waterfrom residential and commercial building. Rapid removal of flood watercan reduce the risk of water damage to residential construction and canreduce the risk of subsequent mold growth.

Various devices for removing flood water are known in the art. However,flood water removal devices known in the art suffer from significantshortcomings. Often, vehicle-mounted carpet cleaning systems are usedfor flood water removal. These systems often include electric motorsthat drive vacuum pumps for creating vacuum in a hose or pipe to removewater from a flooded location. Powering the electric motors can proveproblematic in flood damaged areas, where power grids are ofteninoperative for days or (in the instance of a major hurricane) weeksfollowing a large scale flood event. Thus, the transport vehicle'sengine must often be used to provide power for these systems. They cantypically transport water at flow rates of approximately 5 gallons perminute, often requiring long periods for flood water removal.

Additionally, some previous water removal systems include internalcombustion engines that are relatively large and noisy. These previoussystems have often utilized substantially all of the cargo space of thevehicles on which they were mounted, leaving little room for other toolsand equipment. Moreover, these systems have typically generated noiselevels in excess of 100 decibels. This high level of noise generationoften precluded the use of such devices during many hours of the day inresidential areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments discussed in more detail below, a liquid removalsystem is disclosed herein that overcomes at least some of theshortcomings of the previous systems noted above. The liquid removalsystems disclosed herein can be arranged as a compact, stand-alone unitthat can be easily mounted in a vehicle or on a trailer. In certainembodiments, the liquid removal system can include features to reducenoise generation to acceptable levels for use in residential areasregardless of the time of day. In certain embodiments, the liquidremoval system can also include a vacuum tank pressure relief systemthat allows the motor to run at a constant speed, thus reducing costsand noise variations.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a system for transportingliquid is provided. The system comprises a motor, a suction generationdevice, and a discharge pump. The motor has an output shaft. The outputshaft defines a longitudinal axis of the system. The suction generationdevice is positioned longitudinally behind the motor and laterallyoffset from the motor relative to the longitudinal axis of the system.The suction generation device is coupled to the motor such thatoperation of the motor drives the suction generation device. Thedischarge pump is positioned longitudinally behind the motor andlaterally offset from the motor relative to the longitudinal axis in adirection opposite the lateral offset of the blower. The pump is coupledto the motor such that operation of the motor drives the pump. Themotor, the suction generation device, and the discharge pump arepositioned such that the system is configured to fit inside a vehicleoriented such that the longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with awidth of the vehicle.

Another aspect of the invention includes a system for transportingliquid that comprises an internal combustion engine, a liquid intakeport, a liquid outlet port, a supercharger, and a discharge pump. Theinternal combustion engine has an output shaft. The supercharger has aninput shaft driven by the output shaft of the internal combustionengine, the input shaft coupled to a compressor. The compressor isconfigured to create vacuum in the liquid intake port. The liquid intakeport communicates with the outlet port. The discharge pump is coupled tothe output shaft of the motor such that operation of the motor drivesthe pump. The pump is configured to transport liquid out of the liquidoutlet port.

Another aspect of the invention includes a vacuum tank for a liquidtransport system that comprises a first tank portion, a second tankportion configured to be coupled to the first tank portion, a liquiddischarge port, and a baffle. The first tank portion has a liquid intakeport therethrough. The second tank portion has a vacuum porttherethrough. The liquid discharge port is disposed in one of the firsttank portion and the second tank portion. The baffle is interposedbetween the first and second tank portions and configured such that gasflow between the liquid intake port and the vacuum port is redirectedtherethrough.

Another aspect of the invention includes a system for transportingliquid that comprises an internal combustion engine, a vacuum generator,a discharge pump, and an exhaust system. The internal combustion enginehas an intake system and an exhaust outlet. The vacuum generator iscoupled to the engine such that operation of the engine drives thevacuum generator. The vacuum generator has a suction port and an exhaustport. The discharge pump is coupled to the engine such that operation ofthe engine drives the pump. The exhaust system directs a flow of exhaustgases from the exhaust outlet of the engine. The exhaust systemcomprises a muffler. The muffler is fluidly coupled to the exhaustoutlet of the engine and is configured to receive the flow of exhaustgases from the engine.

The systems and methods of the invention have several features, nosingle one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes.Without limiting the scope of the invention as expressed by the claims,its more prominent features have been discussed briefly above. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one willunderstand how the features of the system and methods provide severaladvantages over conventional liquid removal systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will now be described in connection with preferred embodimentsof the invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. Theillustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are notintended to limit the invention. The following are brief descriptions ofthe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of liquid removal systemconfigured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of housing for a liquidremoval system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of housing for aliquid removal system including an upper storage surface;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of vacuum tank for use ina liquid removal system;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the vacuum tank of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the vacuum tank of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum tank of FIG. 7 takenabout section line10-10;

FIG. 11A is a top view of a baffle for use in a vacuum tank of a liquidremoval system;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the baffle of FIG. 11A from a top sidethereof;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a liquid extractor for a vacuum tank ofa liquid removal system from a top side thereof;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view an embodiment of vacuum tank includingthe baffle of FIG. 11A and the liquid extractor of FIG. 12 positionedtherein for use in a liquid removal system;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a liquid extractor configured to bemounted in a front panel of a liquid removal system;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the liquid extractor of FIG. 14Ahaving a sieve box partially removed;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the liquid extractor of FIG. 14Ahaving a sieve box removed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of toilet splash shiedfor use with a liquid removal system;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of liquid removalsystem incorporating a supercharger to generate vacuum;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a right-side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a left-side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the liquid removalsystem of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of liquid removal systemincorporating a front-mounted liquid extractor;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 22with a panel of the liquid extractor open;

FIG. 24 is a right rear perspective view of the liquid removal system ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a left rear perspective view of the liquid removal system ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a left front perspective view of the liquid removal system ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a right side view of an embodiment of liquid removal systemincorporating a housing;

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a vacuum tank of an embodiment ofliquid removal system incorporating a supercharger to generate vacuumwith a top lid removed;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the vacuum tank of FIG. 29 with asplash guard grate removed in addition to the top lid;

FIG. 31 is a front view of a liquid removal system incorporating asupercharger to generate vacuum with its housing cover and front panelremoved;

FIG. 32 is a side view of a motor exhaust pipe of the liquid removalsystem of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the liquid discharge pump of the liquidremoval system of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a left side view of the liquid removal system of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a top view of an inside of the vacuum tank of the liquidremoval system of FIG. 31 including a location for a pressure reliefsystem;

FIG. 36A is a front view of one embodiment of cleaning wand for a liquidremoval system;

FIG. 36B is a front view of another embodiment of cleaning wand for aliquid removal system;

FIG. 36C is a front view of another embodiment of cleaning wand for aliquid removal system;

FIG. 37 is a front view is a front view of one embodiment of frontconsole for a liquid removal system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In various embodiments, a liquid removal system is disclosed herein thatovercomes the above-described shortcomings of the prior art. Asdiscussed in more detail below, in various embodiments the liquidremoval system can be compact to facilitate vehicle mounting, cangenerate low noise for ease of use in noise-sensitive environments, andcan provide relatively high liquid removal rates. A vehicle-mountedflood water removal device can provide a rapid response to flood waterin an attempt to reduce the incidence and amount of property damage. Instill other embodiments, a vacuum tank for a liquid removal system isdisclosed that is configured to reduce noise generation of a liquidremoval system. In still other embodiments, a pressure regulation systemfor a vacuum tank is disclosed that does not require complex enginespeed controls. Not all embodiments need to include all of theabove-noted features.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of liquid removal system 10is illustrated. The liquid removal system 10 comprises a motor 20, ablower 30 operatively coupled to the motor, and a discharge pump 40. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the liquid removal system 10 also comprisesa silencer 50, a sealed gel battery 60, and a vacuum tank 70. Thecomponents of the liquid removal system 10 can be mounted on a supportframe 80.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the motor 20 is a fourstroke, spark ignition air-cooled internal combustion reciprocatingpiston engine, such as is commercially available under the Kohler®Command Pro or Honda lines of engines. It is contemplated that in otherembodiments, other motor 20 types and configurations can be used in theliquid removal system. For example, in other embodiments, the motor 20can be a liquid cooled internal combustion engine, rotary internalcombustion engine, two-stroke internal combustion engine, compressionignition internal combustion engine, gas turbine engine, or electricmotor.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 20, an internal combustionengine, requires a supply of fuel such as gasoline to operate. Thus theliquid removal system 10 can include a fuel tank in fluid connection toa fuel system on the motor 20. In other embodiments, the liquid removalsystem can further include a fuel input port configured to receive fuelfrom an external fuel tank such as a portable fuel can or the fuel tankof a vehicle to which the liquid removal system 10 is mounted. In someembodiments, this fuel input port can be positioned on the fuel tank ofthe liquid removal system 10, and in other embodiments, the fuel inputport can be integrated with the fuel system of the motor 20.Furthermore, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the liquidremoval system 10 does not have a dedicated fuel tank, but instead theliquid removal system 10 receives a fuel supply from an external fueltank such as can be connected to the fuel input port. Advantageously,the fuel input port allows flexible sourcing of fuel so that the liquidremoval system 10 can be run for extended periods of time without beinglimited to a single source of fuel.

With reference to FIG. 4, the motor 20 has an output shaft 22 thatrotates when the motor 20 is in operation. A longitudinal axis of theoutput shaft 22 defines a longitudinal axis of the system about whichvarious other components can be arranged to achieve a compact systempackage. The output shaft 20 can have at least one pulley 24 mountedthereon over which a corresponding at least one drive belt 26 can berouted to drive the blower 30 and the discharge pump 40 as discussedfurther below. In other embodiments, the blower 30 and the dischargepump 40 can be driven by the motor 20 through a geared transmission, achain drive or other drive mechanisms.

The blower 30 can be a roots-type blower configured to be driven by themotor 20. It is contemplated that other blower types can be used inother embodiments of liquid removal system 10. With reference to FIG. 3,the blower has a suction port 32 at which a vacuum pressure is generatedand an exhaust port 34 through which an outgoing gas stream (e.g. an airstream) is passed when the blower 30 is in operation. In the illustratedembodiment, the suction port 32 of the blower is fluidly coupled to thevacuum tank 70 to generate a vacuum pressure in the vacuum tank 70 whenthe blower 30 is operating. The exhaust port 34 of the blower 30 isfluidly coupled to the silencer 50 to reduce noise generation of theliquid removal system 10 as further discussed below. The blower 30desirably generates sufficient vacuum in the vacuum tank 70 to transportat least approximately 30 gallons per minute of liquid into the vacuumtank 70 through a 1½″ diameter hose, although this rate is only anexample. In other embodiments, the blower 30 desirably generatessufficient vacuum in the vacuum tank 70 to transport at leastapproximately 60 gallons per minute of liquid into the vacuum tank 70through a 1½″ diameter hose.

While the liquid removal system 10 embodied in FIGS. 1-4 includes ablower 30 driven by the motor 20 to generate vacuum, it is contemplatedthat in other embodiments, a turbocharger or a supercharger can be usedto generate vacuum. In embodiments having a turbocharger, theturbocharger can have a gas turbine coupled to a compressor. The gasturbine can be fluidly coupled to an exhaust system of the motor 20 suchthat the exhaust gas stream from the motor 20 drives the turbine, whichin turn drives the compressor. A suction port on the compressor, atwhich vacuum pressure is generated, can be fluidly coupled to a vacuumtank to generate vacuum in the tank. In embodiments of liquid removalsystem having a supercharger to generate vacuum, the supercharger can bea centrifugal supercharger having a compressor driven by a belt, chain,gear, or other operative drive connection from the output shaft of themotor 20. The compressor of the supercharger generates vacuum much inthe same way described above with respect to the turbocharger. Thesupercharger can be fluidly coupled to a vacuum tank to generate vacuumpressure in the vacuum tank. In still other embodiments, othersupercharger types can be used such as, for example, twin screwsuperchargers.

Embodiments of liquid removal systems incorporating turbocharger orcentrifugal supercharger to generate vacuum can have certain advantagesover those using roots-type blowers from the standpoints of size,weight, and noise generated. Turbochargers and centrifugal superchargerstypically occupy significantly less space than a roots-type blower for asimilar vacuum pressure generation capability. Correspondingly,turbochargers and centrifugal superchargers typically weigh less thancorresponding roots-type blowers. Additionally, whereas roots-typeblowers tend to generate high levels of noise and sometimesuncomfortable low-frequency compression waves, turbochargers andcentrifugal superchargers tend to generate fairly low-noise high-pitchedwhines in operation. Furthermore, the expansion of engine exhaust gasesover the turbine in the turbocharger can reduce the noise generated bythe engine in a liquid removal system.

With reference to FIG. 4, the discharge pump 40 can be a liquidtransportation pump. Various pumps suitable for this purpose arecommercially available from the Dayton Electric Mfg. Co. The pump 40 hasa liquid intake port 42 and a liquid discharge port 44. The liquidintake port 42 can be fluidly coupled to a liquid discharge port 74 ofthe vacuum tank 70. The liquid discharge port 44 can be fluidly coupledto a liquid outlet port 46 of the liquid removal system 10. The liquiddischarge pump 40 desirably operates at a relatively high flow rate. Incertain embodiments, the discharge pump has a flow rate of at least 30gallons per minute through a 1½″ diameter discharge hose. In otherembodiments, the discharge pump has a flow rate of at least 60 gallonsper minute through a 1½″ diameter discharge hose. In other embodiments,the discharge pump has a flow rate of at least 100, and in someembodiments up to 140 gallons per minute through a 1½″ diameterdischarge hose.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the silencer 50 greatly reduces the audiblenoise output of the liquid removal system 10 as compared to previouswater removal systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 20includes an exhaust system. The exhaust system comprises a muffler 52(FIG. 4) that is fluidly coupled to one or more exhaust ports 54 on themotor 20. The muffler 52 has a resonance chamber that allows the exhaustgas flow to expand thus, reducing noise energy levels of the exhaustflow. The muffler 52 is fluidly coupled, at its downstream end to thesilencer 50. Thus, the silencer 50 provides a second stage of noisereduction for the exhaust gas flow. As noted above, the exhaust port 34of the blower is also fluidly coupled to the silencer 50. Thus, in thesilencer 50, the partially expanded exhaust gases from the muffler 52are mixed with a flow of much cooler air from the exhaust port 34 of theblower. In the illustrated embodiment, the silencer 50 comprises agenerally cylindrical relatively large diameter resonance chamber,enhancing mixture of, and promoting expansion of the gases. With the twostage noise reduction exhaust, the illustrated liquid removal system 10can generate noise levels of less than 80 decibels in operation. Thus,advantageously, the liquid removal system 10 can be operated inresidential neighborhoods and other noise-sensitive areas. Certainembodiments of liquid removal system 10 including a turbocharger or asupercharger instead of a roots-type blower can operate at reduced noiselevels without a silencer 50, thus some embodiments of these systems maynot have a silencer.

With reference to FIG. 1, the liquid removal system 10 can include asealed gel battery 60. This battery 60 allows maintenance free operationof the pump system and allows the motor 20 to be started and run withoutconnection to a vehicle's power system.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 the liquid removal system 10 can include avacuum tank 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum tank 70 caninclude a vacuum port 72 to which a suction side of the blower 30 isfluidly coupled. Operation of the blower 30 on the vacuum port 72creates vacuum in the vacuum tank 70. The vacuum tank 70 is desirablyconfigured to withstand vacuum generated therein to allow the liquidremoval system to remove approximately 30 gallons of liquid per minutefrom a flooded area. In other embodiments, the vacuum tank 70 isdesirably configured to withstand vacuum generated therein to allow theliquid removal system to remove at least approximately 60 gallons ofliquid per minute from a flooded area.

The vacuum tank 70 can also include a liquid intake port 73. The liquidintake port 73 can be fluidly coupled to a suction fitting 78 to which avacuum hose can be joined. In some embodiments, the liquid intake port73 can be fluidly coupled to a second suction fitting 79 (shown asdisconnected in FIG. 1), thus allowing two vacuum hoses to be coupled tothe system 10 for more rapid liquid removal, or for liquid removal frommultiple rooms or locations simultaneously.

The vacuum tank 70 can also include a liquid discharge port 74. In theillustrated embodiment, the liquid discharge port 74 is fluidly coupledto the discharge pump 40 as described above. As described above, thedischarge pump 40 can be fluidly coupled to a liquid discharge outlet 46to which a discharge hose or other device can be coupled. In certainembodiments, the discharge hose can be of lay flat construction.

In some embodiments, the vacuum tank 70 can include a drain port 77. Thedrain port 77 is desirably positioned on a relatively low point on thevacuum tank 70. The drain port 77 is desirably selectively controllable,such as with a valve, between an open state in which liquid can exit thevacuum tank 70 through the drain port 70 and a closed state in whichliquid is substantially prevented from exiting the vacuum tank 70through the drain port 77. While the drain port 77 is depicted in FIGS.1-4 as a port distinct from and in addition to the liquid discharge port74, in other embodiments it is contemplated that the liquid dischargeport 74 and the drain port 77 can be combined in a single port such as,for example, with the addition of a bypass of the discharge pump 40 whenit is desired to drain the vacuum tank under gravity liquid feed.

With reference to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments the system 10 can alsoinclude a pressure relief system to guard against collapse of the vacuumtank 70. As illustrated, the pressure relief system comprises a valve 90fluidly coupled to the vacuum tank 70. The valve 90 has an open state inwhich ambient air is allowed into the vacuum tank 70 through the valve90 and a closed state in which ambient air is substantially preventedfrom entering the vacuum tank 70 through the valve 90. The valve 90 canbe configured to enter the open state when the vacuum generated insidethe tank 70 approaches a collapse pressure of the vacuum tank 70. Insome embodiments, the valve 90 can be a demand valve that is configuredto open when a preselected vacuum is achieved in the vacuum tank 70. Inother embodiments, the pressure relief system 90 can also include asensor configured to monitor the vacuum generated inside the vacuum tank70 and a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the valve andconfigured to open the valve when the sensor detects a vacuumapproaching the collapse vacuum of the vacuum tank 70. Advantageously,the pressure relief system allows the motor 20 to be run at a constantspeed with a low risk of vacuum tank 70 collapse. In contrast, previoustank collapse monitoring systems have required complex processors tomonitor and control the motor speed to prevent excess vacuum generationin the vacuum tank. These systems were complex and costly to acquire andmaintain.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the vacuum tank 70 isshaped as a generally rectangular prism. A rectangular prismatic vacuumtank 70 can be formed for example by welding sheets of metal together toform a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, sheets of metal can bebent prior to welding to form more than one side of the prism. In someembodiments, the rectangular prism can have a removable panel, such as atop panel. Such a shape can be advantageous for fitting the system 10 incertain spaces such as the interior of a vehicle. It is contemplatedthat in other embodiments, including those illustrated in FIGS. 7-13,the vacuum tank 70 can have more rounded features including sectionsthat are substantially cylindrical or spherical and edges that areradiused. It is contemplated that a pressure vessel such as a vacuumtank 70 with rounded features can withstand higher pressure loadingsthan a corresponding pressure vessel with angular features. Moreover,such a rounded vacuum tank can be formed of non-metallic components byrotomolding or other operations. Thus, in a vacuum tank 70 with roundedfeatures, there may be a reduced need for a pressure relief system andvalve as described above.

With reference to FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a support frame 80 towhich the motor 20, the blower 30, the discharge pump 40, the silencer50, the sealed gel battery 60, and the vacuum tank 70 are mounted. Inother embodiments, some of these components may not be mounted to thesupport frame 80. The support frame 80 is illustrated as a generallyrectangular prism comprised of several smaller rectangular prismsconstructed of generally square cross-section tubing sections. Thesquare tubes are formed of a metal material such as steel, aluminum, oralloys thereof, although it is contemplated that in other embodiments,different materials including wood, composite materials, or plasticscould form a portion of, or substantially all of the support frame 80.In some embodiments, the frame 80 can include open rectangular skidsforming feet thereof. The skids can be sized and configured to allow theframe 80 to be picked up and moved via forklift Additionally, it iscontemplated that in other embodiments, the support frame 80 can includedifferent geometry such as one including triangular truss members.Desirably, the support frame is sized and configured to fit transverselywithin a vehicle such as a truck, van, or minivan and provide access tothe suction fitting 78 and liquid outlet port 46. In some embodiments,the support frame has a relatively long dimension configured to bearranged transversely in a vehicle and a relatively short dimensionconfigured to be arranged longitudinally in a vehicle. In one exemplaryembodiment, the support frame defines a rectangular prism approximately33″ long by 26″ wide by 30″ tall. In this exemplary embodiment, it isdesired to orient the frame for mounting in a vehicle such that the 33″length dimension of the liquid removal system is positioned along awidth of the vehicle. Thus, the system 10 can be positioned in a vehiclesuch that it occupies substantially all of a width of the vehicle butleaves a portion of the length of the vehicle open for cargo.Advantageously, this transverse positioning in a vehicle allows muchgreater cargo space than would be available if the system 10 werelongitudinally mounted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 80 is configured topackage components of the system 10 to facilitate transverse mounting ona vehicle. The output shaft 22 of the motor 20 defines a longitudinalaxis of the system 10. The blower 30 can be mounted distally of themotor 20 along the longitudinal axis and offset transversely from thelongitudinal axis of the system. The discharge pump 40 can be mounteddistally of the motor 20 along the longitudinal axis and offsettransversely from the longitudinal axis of the system in a directiongenerally opposite of the transverse offset of the blower 30. The vacuumtank 70 can be mounted distally of the blower 30 and the discharge pump40 in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The silencer 50, and thefluid connections to the suction fitting 78 and the liquid outlet port46 can be routed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in a planethat is vertically offset from the longitudinal axis.

With reference to FIGS. 5, in some embodiments, the system 10 caninclude a housing 100 configured to be disposed over the support frame80. The housing 100 can include apertures such as a suction fittingaperture 108 for access to the suction fitting 78, a second suctionfitting aperture 109 for access to the second suction fitting 79, amotor aperture 120 for access to controls on the motor 20, a drainaperture 110 for access to the drain port 77 and other similarapertures. In different embodiments of housing, the positions and sizesof these apertures can differ. In some embodiments, the housing can havean open front side configured to receive a removable front panel, suchas that illustrated in FIG. 37 below including some or all of thevarious apertures described above.

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIG. 6, the housing100 can have a contoured surface configured to receive tools andequipment commonly used in liquid removal. For example, in certainembodiments, an upper surface of the housing 100 includes indentationsshaped and configured to receive large carpet drying machines 130 suchas those commonly in use in the carpet cleaning industry. In otherembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper surface of the housingcan be configured, for example by providing a notched outer lip spanninga perimeter of the upper surface to retain hose reels for vacuum and/ordischarge hoses to be used in conjunction with the liquid removal system10. The upper surface of the housing 100 can be structurally reinforcedto support the weight of these carpet drying machines 130 or otherequipment. Advantageously, this contouring can enhance the storageability of a vehicle transporting the liquid removal system 10.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of vacuum tank 70′ isdepicted. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the vacuum tank70′ has a generally rounded body. As noted above, this rounded shape canhave a higher ability to withstand vacuum loading, and thus can have arelatively high collapse strength. The vacuum tank 70′ can include oneor more annular reinforcing rings 76 to further enhance its ability towithstand vacuum loading. A rounded vacuum tank 70′ can be formed viarotomolding to the desired geometry.

As illustrated, the vacuum tank 70′ has a first tank portion 202 havinga liquid intake port 73′ and a second tank portion 204 having a vacuumport 72′. In the illustrated embodiments, the two tank portions can becoupled by ring lock compression bands to form the vacuum tank 70′. Theliquid intake port 73′ and the vacuum port 72′ are configured to befluidly coupled to the suction fitting 78 and blower 30 of a liquidremoval system 10 as discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4, although it is recognized that the vacuum tank 70′ can beused in other applications. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuumtank also includes a liquid discharge port 74′ (FIG. 10) positioned on alower surface of the vacuum tank 70′. The liquid discharge port 74′ isconfigured to be fluidly coupled to a discharge pump 40 as discussedabove with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

In other embodiments, the vacuum tank 70′ of FIGS. 7-10 can beconfigured to further reduce noise generation of the liquid removalsystem 10. Noise reduction features are further illustrated in FIGS.11-13. FIGS. 11A-B illustrate a baffle for use with a vacuum tank 70′such as that depicted in FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 12 illustrates a liquidextractor for use with a vacuum tank 70′ such as illustrated in FIGS.7-10. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of vacuum tank 70″ including abaffle and vacuum tank.

With reference to FIGS. 11A-B, a baffle 210 for use with a vacuum tank70″ is depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 210 comprisesa plate sized and configured to fit between a first tank portion 202 anda second tank portion 204. In other embodiments, the baffle 210 can beintegrally formed with one of the tank portions 202, 204, or the baffle210 can be configured to be retained by only one of the tank portions202, 204. The baffle 210 includes an aperture 212 configured to allowthe passage of a gas flow therethrough. The baffle can also include aflange 214 (FIG. 1B) surrounding at least a portion of the aperture. Theflange 214 can be configured to couple to a liquid extractor asdescribed in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 12, a liquid extractor 220 for a vacuum tank 70″is depicted. The liquid extractor 220 comprises a plate sized andconfigured to fit between a first tank portion 202 and a second tankportion 204. In other embodiments, the liquid extractor 220 can beintegrally formed with one of the tank portions 202, 204, or the liquidextractor 220 can be configured to be retained by only one of the tankportions 202, 204. The liquid extractor can include a sieve box 224having at least one mesh side 226 allowing liquid to pass therethrough.The sieve box can have an opening 228 in one side thereof. The opening228 can be configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid intake port73′ of the vacuum tank 70″. In the illustrated embodiment, the sieve box224 has three mesh sides 226 allowing liquid to pass therethrough andone solid wall 230 preventing liquid from passing therethrough, althoughin other embodiments, other arrangements of mesh sides 226 and solidwalls can be used in a sieve box 224.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the baffle 210 and the liquid extractor 220can be retained between the first tank portion 202 and the second tankportion 204 to form a vacuum tank 70″ with reduced noise generation. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the baffle 210 couples with the liquidextractor 220 as the flange 214 of the baffle 210 passes through anopening 222 in the liquid extractor 220. When used in a liquid removalsystem, suction is generated in the vacuum tank 70″ by a reduction ofpressure at the vacuum port 72′. This suction can draw liquid or aliquid/gas mixture through a hose to be fluidly coupled to the liquidintake port 73′. This liquid or liquid mixture then enters the sieve box224. The liquid then escapes the sieve box through the mesh surfaces226, where it settles in the vacuum tank until evacuation through theliquid discharge port 74′. In the illustrated vacuum tank 70″, gasaccompanying the liquid/gas mixture passes through the mesh surfaces226, through the aperture 212, and toward the vacuum port 72′. Thus, thevacuum tank 70″ separates liquid and gas from a mixture received at theliquid intake. Advantageously, since the sieve box 224 and baffle 210geometry of the illustrated embodiment of vacuum tank 70″ route gas flowbetween the liquid intake port 73′ and the vacuum port 72′ around acircuitous path including several substantial substantially rightangles, the noise generated by the system is reduced as compared to asystem with a more direct gas flow path.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15A-15B, in other embodiments, a liquidextractor can be positioned in a front panel of the liquid removalsystem 10. In these embodiments, a sieve box 320 similar to thatdescribed above with respect to the vacuum tank 70″ can be positioned influid communication with one or more vacuum hoses at or near where thevacuum hoses enter the front panel of the liquid removal system 10. Asillustrated, the sieve box 320 is a mesh box having an open front endthat is positioned in a housing 300 having a hinged front door 302 onwhich one or more vacuum ports 310, 312 for connection with one or morevacuum hoses are positioned. While the housing 300 and sieve box 320 areillustrated as substantially rectangular prismatic components, it iscontemplated that in other embodiments, different geometries, such ascylindrical housings and sieve boxes can be used. The frontpanel-mounted sieve box 320 can be easily accessed, for example, bypulling out a drawer in which it is positioned, such that an operatorcan easily access the sieve box 320 for inspection or cleaning withoutaccessing the vacuum tank 70″. FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a removalsequence of a front-mounted sieve box 320. The sieve box 320 can have afront lip, a handle, or another feature to allow an operator to grip thesieve box for ease of removal for cleaning. It is contemplated that theuse of a front-mounted sieve box 320 is not limited to the liquidremoval systems described herein. Rather, this front-mounted sieve box320 can be incorporated into many presently-existing and possibly futuredeveloped liquid removal systems and carpet cleaning systems. Inembodiments having a front-panel mounted sieve box, an additional filtercan be positioned inside the liquid intake port of the vacuum tank tofurther filter particulate matter and prevent premature wear on thedischarge pump or clogging.

With reference to FIG. 16, a device to facilitate discharge of liquidfrom a liquid removal system 10 is depicted. It can be desirable for theliquid removal system 10 to discharge liquid through a toilet drain. Incertain applications, it is contemplated that an in-toilet sewer systemdischarge device such as a Drain Dummies® manufactured by CleaningSystems, Inc. can be attached to a liquid discharge hose to dischargeremoved liquid into the sewer system. In other circumstances, such aswhere the removed liquid can contain toxic substances which can beunsuitable for disposal through the sewage system, or where the sewagesystem of a flooded area is inoperative, it can be desirable todischarge the liquid from the discharge outlet 46 to a storage tankuntil it can be appropriately disposed of.

Where the removed liquid is to be discharged through a toilet, it can bedesirable to route the discharge hose through a splash shield 350 toprevent liquid from escaping the toilet bowl. FIG. 16 illustrates oneembodiment of splash shield. The splash shield 350 is configured to fitover a standard-sized toilet bowl rim. The splash shield 350 has a port360 through which the discharge hose can pass. The discharge hose canthen be routed through the splash shield 350 and into the drain of thetoilet past the trap such that discharged liquid passes directly intothe residential drain. In some embodiments, the splash shield caninclude a discharge hose configured to be inserted into a toilet drainas described above and having a rapid connector disposed above the port360 of the splash shield 350. In some embodiments, the port 360, caninclude a cam or groove fitting of a cam lock hose fitting, configuredto couple to a corresponding cam or groove fitting on a discharge end ofthe discharge hose. In some embodiments, the port 360 can be angled todirect a discharge flow towards the trap of the toilet such that forflows of sufficient pressure, no additional hoses leading into the trapare present. For example, the port 360 can include an angular bend fromapproximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees, and desirablyapproximately 45 degrees. In embodiments having an approximately 45degree redirecting angular bend, the discharge hose can be orientedsubstantially horizontally, while the discharge stream is directed atapproximately 45 degrees downward and toward the toilet drain. Thus, adischarge hose from the liquid removal system can be connected to theport 360 of the splash shield 350. It is contemplated that the splashshield 350 can be secured to the toilet with one or more straps such aselastic straps or bungee cords. For example two straps could be used tosecure the shield to the bowl and the tank of the toilet. The splashshield 350 can include one or more eyelets 362 or holes for attachmentof the straps. While the splash shield 350 is described herein inconjunction with the discharge hose from a liquid removal system, it iscontemplated that the splash shield 350 can be used with other liquidremoval systems and other devices configured to drain through a toilet.

It is contemplated that other embodiments of liquid removal systemhaving different operational capabilities can be configured throughvarious combinations of the features discussed in more detail above. Forexample, FIGS. 17-21 illustrate an embodiment of liquid removal system10′ including a supercharger 140 configured to create vacuum in a vacuumtank 70′. The embodiment of FIGS. 17-21 further includes a vacuum tank70′ having a rounded profile and a front-mounted liquid extractor with ahousing 300 having two suction ports 310, 312, and sieve box. In theembodiment of FIGS. 17-21, a pressure relief valve 90 can be positionedin a y-junction in the fluid connection between the supercharger 140 andthe vacuum tank.

FIG. 21 illustrates the merging of the exhaust from the motor 20 over anexhaust pipe 26 to an exhaust air side of the supercharger 140 via amerged exhaust. The combined exhaust flow from the supercharger 140 andthe motor 20 then flow to a silencer 50 (FIG. 17), muffler, or othersound muffling device. Advantageously, only a single exhaust system isneeded to dispel exhaust gases in this embodiment. In other embodiments,the exhausts from the motor 20 and supercharger 140 can be exhaustedseparately.

Another embodiment of liquid removal system 10″ is illustrated in FIGS.22-26. The embodiment of FIGS. 22-26 includes a front-mounted liquidextractor having a housing 300 with a sieve box 320, vacuum ports 310,312 for two vacuum hoses, a vacuum tank 70′ having a rounded profile,and a blower 30. Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 27-28. Theembodiment of FIGS. 27-28 includes a housing 100 covering the componentsof the liquid removal system 10″.

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate certain aspects another embodiment of liquidremoval system including a centrifugal supercharger 140 to create avacuum. The liquid removal system of FIGS. 29-30 is similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 17-21, except it has a rectangular prismatic vacuumtank 470. With reference to FIG. 29, as with the above-describedembodiments, the liquid removal system includes a motor 20. In theillustrated embodiment, the motor 20 is operatively coupled to acentrifugal supercharger 140. In some embodiments, the supercharger 140can share a lubrication system with the motor 20 such that motor oil iscirculated from a crankcase of the motor to lubricate the supercharger.In other embodiments, the supercharger 140 can have a lubrication systemthat is independent of the motor 20. In some embodiments, the liquidremoval system can include an oil cooler to provide additional coolingto the motor oil. An oil cooler can be included in liquid removal systemembodiments where the supercharger 140 and motor 20 share a common oilsupply and in embodiments where the supercharger 140 and motor haveindependent lubrication systems. The oil cooler can be a finned radiatorand can include an electric cooling fan to direct cooling air over theradiator fins.

As discussed above, superchargers can advantageously have reduced size,noise generation, and weight compared with a roots-type blower ofsimilar flow capacity. In the illustrated embodiment, the superchargercan have a flow capacity of approximately 700 cubic feet per minute. Thecentrifugal supercharger can weigh less than approximately 30 pounds,and desirably less than approximately 20 pounds. In comparison, aroots-type blower having a flow capacity of approximately 400 cubic feetper minute typically weighs in excess of 100 pounds. In otherembodiments of liquid removal system, centrifugal superchargers havingdifferent size, weight, and flow capacities can be used. Thesupercharger 140 is operatively coupled to a vacuum tank 470 such thatoperating the supercharger creates vacuum pressure within the tank 470.

The liquid removal system embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29-30 canadvantageously fit in a relatively small space. As noted above, thesupercharger 140 is relatively small and lightweight in comparison to aroots-type blower. Additionally, the supercharger 140 can operate at anacceptable noise level without requiring a large silencer or otherdevice to reduce noise generation. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment,the liquid removal system, without the vacuum tank 470, can be arrangedto fit in a rectangular prism having a width of approximately 26 inches,a depth of approximately 32 inches, and a height of approximately 22.5inches. Such an arrangement can allow the liquid removal system to beeasily positioned in a vehicle such as a pick up truck or a van.Advantageously, the liquid removal system can be arranged in a van suchthat the front panel of the system is accessible from a side door of thevan. Also, desirably, the liquid removal system is sized such that itcan be easily installed and removed from a side cargo door of a van. Inother embodiments, the liquid removal system can be arranged to occupyapproximately 1-2 inches less space in any of the length, width, ordepth dimensions than the approximate 26 inches×32 inches×22.5 inchrectangular prism described above. In still other embodiments, theliquid removal system can be arranged such that it is a shape other thana rectangular prism.

As shown in FIG. 29, the liquid removal system can include an intakefilter 404 positioned within the vacuum tank 470. This intake filter 404can prevent debris in the tank from being sucked into the supercharger140. In some embodiments, the liquid removal system can include a vacuumrelief system to prevent the vacuum tank from collapsing under thevacuum generated by the supercharger 140. The vacuum relief system cancomprise a valve that is configured to open at a predetermined vacuumpressure. The valve can be positioned in a side wall of the vacuum tank470 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the valve can be fluidlycoupled between the supercharger 140 and the vacuum tank 470 (forexample, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-21). During normaloperating conditions, the valve remains closed and the supercharger 140generates a vacuum in the vacuum tank 470. However, as the vacuumgenerated in the tank 470 approaches the predetermined vacuum pressure,which, is desirably an acceptable margin less than a collapse pressureof the vacuum tank, the valve opens and allows ambient air to enter thetank.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 29-30, the vacuum tank 470 is asubstantially rectangular prism-shaped welded metal tank. In theillustrated embodiment, the tank has dimensions of approximately 22inches in height, 18 inches in length, and 26 inches in width. It iscontemplated that in other embodiments, the tank could be a rectangularprism that is smaller or larger in any of the dimensions. Also, whilethe illustrated vacuum tank 470 is a substantially rectangularprism-shaped welded metal tank, it is recognized that the tank can haveother shapes and sizes, such as the tank examples provided above (e.g.tank embodiments 70, 70′, 70″ described herein).

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate the inside of the vacuum tank 470. In theillustrated embodiment, the tank includes baffle plates 472 and adiffusion grate 474. As illustrated, the baffle plates 472 and diffusiongrate 474 are sized and positioned to reduce the possibility thatsuctioned water can enter the supercharger 140.

FIG. 30 illustrates the vacuum tank with the diffusion grate 474 removedto reveal liquid intake ports 480. The liquid intake ports 480 arefluidly coupled to suction fittings 310, 312 (see, for example, FIG. 17)on the liquid removal system. The illustrated embodiment of liquidremoval system has two liquid intake ports 480 in the vacuum tank 470,but other embodiments can have more or fewer liquid intake ports 480.Desirably, the number and size of liquid intake ports 480 can support adesired liquid intake flow capacity of the liquid removal system. Whilethe illustrated embodiment includes two liquid intake ports 480 fluidlycoupled to two suction fittings 478, in other embodiments, the numberand size of liquid intake ports 480 can differ from the number and sizeof suction fittings 310, 312.

FIGS. 31-35 illustrate various aspects of another embodiment of liquidremoval system 10′″ having suction generated by a supercharger 140, afront-mounted liquid extractor having a cylindrical housing 300′, and arounded vacuum tank 570. FIG. 31 illustrates a front view of the liquidremoval system 10′″. Visible in the front view are two suction fittings478 to which vacuum hoses can be attached. In the illustratedembodiment, the suction fittings 478 are positioned on a removable frontpanel of a liquid extractor having a substantially cylindrical housing300′. Advantageously, two vacuum hoses can be used simultaneously, onefluidly coupled to each suction fitting 478. If only a single vacuumhose is to be used, one of the suction fittings 478 can be plugged orcapped. While the illustrated embodiment of includes two suctionfittings 478, other embodiments can have more or fewer suction fittings478.

In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid extractor comprises asubstantially cylindrical housing 300′ having a removable mesh sieve boxor liquid filter placed therein. During operation of the liquid removalsystem 10′″, suctioned water enters the liquid extractor housing throughthe suction fittings 478, passes through holes in the mesh sieve box,then exits the housing 300′ through outlets fluidly coupled to theliquid intake ports 480 of the vacuum tank. Thus, during operation,debris can be trapped in the mesh sieve box and is prevented fromentering the vacuum tank 70′. The mesh filter element can easily beremoved for cleaning by removing the front panel of the liquid extractorand removing the filter. In other embodiments, other shapes andconfigurations of liquid extractor can be used in the liquid removalsystem. For example, the liquid extractor described above with respectto FIGS. 14-15 can be used in the system described herein. In otherembodiments, the liquid extractor can be mounted in a filter box that isexternal to the liquid removal system, but fluidly coupled to the vacuumtank.

With reference to FIG. 31, also visible from the front view of theliquid removal system is the liquid outlet port 446. A discharge hosecan be coupled to the liquid outlet port 446, such as by cam lockfittings. Cam lock fittings include a cam fitting, typically disposed onan end of the hose, and a groove fitting, typically on the liquid outletport. When the hose is coupled to the outlet port 446, lever armsextending from the cam can be rotated to engage the cam in the groove,thus securing the discharge hose to the liquid outlet port 446. A camlock fitting can allow rapid connection and disconnection of thedischarge hose from the liquid removal system, while minimizing leakagedue to misalignment of the hose and liquid outlet port 446. In otherembodiments, such as those described above, the liquid removal systemcan include cam-lock fittings for both the suction and discharge sidessuch that both vacuum and discharge hoses can be quickly connected tothe liquid removal system.

With reference to FIG. 31, a mounting location 450 for optionalequipment is adjacent to the motor 20. While the liquid removal systemdescribed herein can be packaged to fit within a relatively small spacein a vehicle, in some embodiments, the liquid removal system includesadditional space for optional equipment to be mounted to the liquidremoval system for additional capabilities. In some embodiments, themotor 20 can be positioned recessed from the front of the liquid removaldevice to accommodate a larger mount 450 for the clean water pump.

For example, in some applications, such as sewage spill removal, it canbe desirable to wash the affected area with an antimicrobial solutionand to rinse with clean water before or while suctioning the liquidaway. Thus, it can be desirable to include a “clean” water pump in someembodiments of liquid removal system to apply clean water to an area.The clean water pump can be an electrically-driven pump, or it can be amechanically driven pump, coupled to the motor 20 similar to the liquiddischarge pump 40. Where it is mechanically-driven, the clean water pumpcan be selectively actuatable, for example with a mechanical orelectronic clutch assembly. The clean water pump can sit in the mountinglocation 450, can be fluidly connected via hose to a water supply suchas a municipal water line (e.g. a hose tap), or a reservoir, and cansupply water to a cleaning wand to be applied at a desired location.Advantageously, the clean water pump can provide a relatively highpressure stream of water for clean-up regardless of the water pressuresupplied over a municipal water line. In some embodiments, the waterpump can include a liquid pickup such as a venture-type pickup fluidlycoupled thereto to introduce chemical cleaning agents to the water beingpumped. In some embodiments, the liquid pickup can be selectivelyactuated by a user through, for example, a switch on a front panel ofthe liquid removal system or on a cleaning wand fluidly coupled to thesystem. Thus, during operation of the clean water pump, a user canselect between flow of clean water or a cleaning chemical solution. Insome embodiments, the clean water pump can be an electric pump capableof delivering water at approximately 400 psi to supply water to anapproximately 1½ inch diameter hose. In other embodiments, the cleanwater pump can operate at greater than or less than 400 psi.

With reference to FIGS. 31-32, exhaust routing for the motor 20 andsupercharger 140 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 32, exhaust gasesleave the motor 20 through an exhaust pipe 26. In the illustratedembodiment, the exhaust pipe 26 is wrapped with a heat insulativeexhaust wrap 460. In other embodiments, the exhaust pipe 26 can becoated with a heat treatment coating such as a ceramic coating. Asillustrated in FIG. 32, the exhaust pipe 26 from the motor 20 is mergedwith an exhaust line 142 from the supercharger 140 to form a mergedexhaust line 144. As illustrated in FIG. 31, this merged exhaust line144 feeds into a muffler 466. In the illustrated embodiment, exhaustgases exit the muffler 466 at the front panel of the liquid removalsystem.

With reference to FIG. 33, the liquid removal system includes adischarge pump 440. As described above with respect to otherembodiments, the discharge pump 440 is driven by the motor 20, andevacuates liquid from the vacuum tank 470.

FIGS. 34-35 illustrate the generally cylindrical vacuum tank 570 of theliquid removal system 10′″. This vacuum tank 570 is similar to thatdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 7-10. Advantageously, thegenerally cylindrical tank 570 can have reduced intake liquid splashingas compared with a rectangular prismatic tank. The vacuum tank 570 canpreferably be formed by rotomolding to allow rapid, relatively low costmanufacture.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 34-35, liquid intake ports 480 inthe tank 570 can be fluidly coupled to liquid intake hoses, which can bepositioned as desired to suction liquid. A motor-driven liquidtransportation pump 440 can evacuate liquid that has been suctioned intothe suction tank. The components of the illustrated liquid removalsystem 10′″ are desirably arranged such that the liquid removal systemfits within a relatively compact package. As illustrated, the liquidremoval system can be inserted through a side cargo door opening of avan such that a front panel of the liquid removal system is accessiblefrom the side cargo door of the van.

With respect to FIG. 31, the liquid removal system includes a pluralityof skids 590 mounted to a lower surface thereof. The skids 590 each havea passageway therein to accommodate a load fork of a forklift, such thatthe skid 590 can allow the liquid removal system 10′″ to be easilylifted with a forklift. Desirably, the liquid removal system can easilybe raised onto, or lowered from, a vehicle mount, using a fork lift.Similar sleeves 590 can be incorporated into other embodiments of liquidremoval system described herein.

FIG. 35 illustrates the inside of the vacuum tank 570 of the liquidremoval system 10′″. The entry of the liquid intake ports 580 to thevacuum tank 570 is shown. While the illustrated embodiment has twoliquid intake ports 580, it is contemplated that other embodiments ofvacuum tank 570 can have more or fewer than two liquid intake ports 580.FIG. 35 also illustrates a port 584 into which a cap 582 can beinserted. In other embodiments, a vacuum relief valve can be fluidlycoupled to the port 584. The vacuum relief valve can function asdescribed above with respect to other liquid removal system embodimentsto prevent the vacuum tank 570 from collapsing. In other embodiments inthe vacuum tank 570 does not include the port 584. In liquid removalsystem embodiments having a port-less vacuum tank, a vacuum relief valvecan be included elsewhere in the liquid removal system such as fluidlycoupled between the supercharger 140 and the vacuum tank 570.

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate various embodiments of a cleaning wand 602,604, 606 that can be used with the liquid removal systems describedherein. The cleaning wands 602, 604, 606 can be fluidly coupled to thesuction fittings of the liquid removal system to allow a user to moreeasily direct the suction generated by the liquid removal system than ispossible with a flexible suction hose. As illustrated, the wands 602,604, 606 are substantially hollow tubes through which suction is appliedby the liquid removal system.

With continued reference to FIGS. 36A-36C, different cleaning heads canprovide advantages for cleaning different surfaces. For example, oneembodiment of cleaning wand 602 includes a rubber blade 603, orsqueegee, to direct water on a planar surface such as a floor. As shownin FIG. 36C, one embodiment of cleaning wand 606 is adapted for use in asewage spill removal system as described above, or other applicationsrequiring the application of liquid and removal of liquid. Asillustrated, the wand 606 includes a liquid spray system including ahose 608 fluidly coupling a liquid inlet fitting 612 to two spraynozzles 610. A flow of liquid through the liquid spray system can beselectively initiated, adjusted, and terminated with a grip lever 614that is coupled to a valve. In some embodiments, the liquid spray systemof the cleaning wand 606 can be fluidly coupled to a clean water pump asis described in connection with sewage spill removal above. In otherembodiments, the liquid spray system can be fluidly coupled to adifferent liquid source.

With reference to FIG. 37, a front console 650 for use in variousembodiments of liquid removal system is illustrated. The front console650 can be used in conjunction with an open sided housing as describedabove. The front console 650 can have a diffusion grate 652 to allowcooling air to reach the motor 20, but prevent debris from entering theliquid removal system. The front console 650 can have one or moreapertures 654, 656, desirably sized and positioned to allow passage ofthe suction fittings, motor exhaust, and a liquid discharge outlet. Anaperture 654 is desirably sized to allow removal of a front panel of aliquid extractor such that a user can quickly and easily access a liquidfilter within the extractor without removing the front console 650 fromthe liquid removal system.

With continued reference to FIG. 37, the front console 650 can alsoinclude one or more gauges 658, 660 for monitoring system performance.For example, in some embodiments, the front console 650 can include avacuum pressure gauge 658, indicating pressure inside the vacuum tank,and a tachometer 660, for measuring engine speed.

With reference to FIG. 37, the front console 650 can also include one ormore user controls 662. In some embodiments, the user controls 662 aretoggle switches. In some embodiments, one toggle switch is electricallycoupled to the throttle of the motor with a solenoid. The throttletoggle switch and solenoid can be configured such that one position ofthe toggle switch causes the solenoid to maintain the throttle at anidle setting, and advancing the toggle switch to another position switchcauses the solenoid to advance the throttle to an operational level. Insome embodiments, a second toggle switch can be electrically coupled toa choke of the motor with a solenoid. With the choke toggle switch in afirst position, the solenoid can position the choke in a cold startsetting. With the choke toggle switch in a second position, the solenoidcan position the choke in a warm operation setting. Thus, motoroperation can be easily controlled by a user. In some embodiments, theoperation of the motor can include a keyed activation requiring anoperator to insert a key into a keyed switch 664 on the front console tostart the motor for the liquid removal system.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. Further, the various features of these inventions can be usedalone, or in combination with other features of these inventions otherthan as expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims.

1. A system for transporting liquid, the system comprising: a motorhaving an output shaft, the output shaft defining a longitudinal axis ofthe system; a suction generation device positioned longitudinally behindthe motor and laterally offset from the motor relative to thelongitudinal axis of the system, wherein the suction generation deviceis coupled to the motor such that operation of the motor drives thesuction generation device; and a discharge pump positionedlongitudinally behind the motor and laterally offset from the motorrelative to the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite the lateraloffset of the suction generation device, wherein the pump is coupled tothe motor such that operation of the motor drives the pump, wherein themotor, the suction generation device, and the discharge pump arepositioned such that the system is configured to fit inside a vehicleoriented such that the longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with awidth of the vehicle.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising asilencer positioned under the motor and configured to receive an exhauststream from the motor.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising ahousing configured to enclose the motor, the suction generation device,and the discharge pump.
 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising asealed gel battery.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the housing has areinforced upper deck unit configured to receive at least one piece ofequipment.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a suction hoseoperatively connected to the suction generation device and a dischargehose operatively connected to the pump.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the discharge hose is configured to assume a substantiallyplanar configuration when the motor is not in operation.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the motor is an internal combustion enginecomprising a fuel system, and wherein the system further comprises afuel tank fluidly connected to the fuel system of the motor.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, further comprising a fuel input port on one of thefuel system of the motor and the fuel tank, wherein the fuel input portis configured to receive fuel from an external fuel tank.
 10. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a liquid extractor configured to bepositioned on a front surface of the system.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the suction generation device comprises a supercharger.
 12. Asystem for transporting liquid, the system comprising: an internalcombustion engine having an output shaft; a liquid intake port; a liquidoutlet port configured such that the liquid intake port communicateswith the liquid outlet port; a supercharger having an input shaft drivenby the output shaft of the internal combustion engine, the input shaftcoupled to a compressor, wherein the compressor is configured to createvacuum in the liquid intake port; and a discharge pump, wherein the pumpis coupled to the output shaft of the motor such that operation of themotor drives the pump and wherein the pump is configured to transportliquid out of the liquid outlet port.
 13. The system of claim 12 furthercomprising a vacuum tank fluidly coupled to the supercharger.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, further comprising a valve fluidly coupled to thevacuum tank and having an open state in which air can flow through thevalve into the vacuum tank and a closed state in which substantially noair can pass through the valve into the vacuum tank, wherein the valveis configured to enter the open state when a pressure in the vacuum tankreaches a preset level.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the presetlevel is less than a collapse pressure of the vacuum tank
 16. A vacuumtank for a liquid transport system, the tank comprising; a first tankportion having a liquid intake port; a second tank portion configured tobe coupled to the first tank portion, the second tank portion having avacuum port; a liquid discharge port disposed in one of the first tankportion and the second tank portion; and a baffle interposed between thefirst and second tank portions and configured such that gas flow betweenthe liquid intake port and the vacuum port is redirected therethrough.17. The vacuum tank of claim 16, further comprising a liquid extractorcoupled to the liquid intake port such that liquid in an inflow from theliquid intake port is separated from the inflow.
 18. The vacuum tank ofclaim 17, wherein the liquid extractor comprises a sieve box, the sievebox having at least one mesh side configured to allow liquid to drainfrom the inflow from the liquid intake port and at least one solid sideadjacent the baffle to elongate a flow path of the gas flow between theliquid intake port and the baffle.
 19. The vacuum tank of claim 16,wherein the vacuum tank has a substantially cylindrical profile.
 20. Thevacuum tank of claim 16, wherein the vacuum tank is formed byrotomolding.
 21. A system for transporting liquid, the systemcomprising: an internal combustion engine having an intake system and anexhaust outlet; a vacuum generator coupled to the engine such thatoperation of the engine drives the vacuum generator, the vacuumgenerator having a suction port and an exhaust port; a discharge pumpcoupled to the engine such that operation of the engine drives the pump;and an exhaust system to direct a flow of exhaust gases from the exhaustoutlet of the engine, the exhaust system comprising a muffler fluidlycoupled to the exhaust outlet of the engine and configured to receivethe flow of exhaust gases from the engine.
 22. The system of claim 21,wherein the exhaust system further comprises a silencer configured toreceive the flow of exhaust gases from the muffler and a flow of exhaustfrom the exhaust port of the vacuum generator.
 23. The system of claim21, wherein the exhaust system is configured such that the systemgenerates less than 80 dB of noise in operation.
 24. The system of claim17, wherein the vacuum generator comprises a roots-type blower.
 25. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the preset level is less than a collapsepressure of the vacuum tank.